SLK/R170: Basic SLK info?
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Basic SLK info?
I'm looking into getting a used SLK. Can someone break down the differences between the 230 and 320? Is the SLK 320 automatic shiftable, or is it a traditional automatic? How fast is it, and what is the aftermarket like? Are there any aftermarket modifcations out there? Thanks
EDIT: Also, are all the 230s Kompressor? If so, do they have more potential then the V6 in the 320?
EDIT: Also, are all the 230s Kompressor? If so, do they have more potential then the V6 in the 320?
Last edited by jas142; Mar 13, 2005 at 09:00 PM.
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From: Chicago, IL
2003 BMW 325i/z4 2.4i
Here's a site that lists all the differences between models and years: http://www.slk32.com/pages/slkmodeld...modeldiff.html The TouchShift trans arrived with the 320, before that there was only the 5-speed auto and a 5-speed manual.
Yes, the 230s are supercharged - in the US we get the 230 kompressor and the 320. And yes, the 230 can be modded to be faster than the 320 - chip, pulley change, and exhaust upgrades will get you there or beyond. Check the Renntech or Bergwerks sites for more info.
Emanuel
Yes, the 230s are supercharged - in the US we get the 230 kompressor and the 320. And yes, the 230 can be modded to be faster than the 320 - chip, pulley change, and exhaust upgrades will get you there or beyond. Check the Renntech or Bergwerks sites for more info.
Emanuel
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From: Chicago, IL
2003 BMW 325i/z4 2.4i
First, I've yet to buy an SLK. Tomorrow, I'm going for my 2nd visit to the car I'll likely buy, a black on black 230 w/5-speed. My experience is from test driving a few, but some owners might want to chime in. I've also researched pretty thoroughly on the net, which is how I found that web site.
I found the touch shift to be fine, for what it is. It changes more quickly than I could ever work the clutch, but I'm old school and prefer the feedback and sensations of doing it myself. There's a limit to how rowdy you can get on a test drive, but it seemed to me that the touchshift WILL NOT let you redline, something the older automatic would let you do. This is mentioned in a couple of road tests I've read, and in the Car & Driver road test video it's the chief gripe about the 32AMG is how MBZ never lets the driver have complete control - traction control is never completely off, and touch shift eventually jumps back in.
Emanuel
I found the touch shift to be fine, for what it is. It changes more quickly than I could ever work the clutch, but I'm old school and prefer the feedback and sensations of doing it myself. There's a limit to how rowdy you can get on a test drive, but it seemed to me that the touchshift WILL NOT let you redline, something the older automatic would let you do. This is mentioned in a couple of road tests I've read, and in the Car & Driver road test video it's the chief gripe about the 32AMG is how MBZ never lets the driver have complete control - traction control is never completely off, and touch shift eventually jumps back in.
Emanuel
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From: Sweden
SLK 320 AMG
The 320 is only marginally faster than the 230K but the sound of the V6 instead of the 4-cylinder is worth every penny! 
I've got a six-speed manual myself but I've also tried a 320 with automatic gearbox and I liked that one too.
I've got a six-speed manual myself but I've also tried a 320 with automatic gearbox and I liked that one too.
